Five minutes ago the new director of the Norwegian Data Inspectorate was announced to the press. It is no other than the same guy that went after Apple over the iTunes music store. Most know him as the now former Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman.
Continue reading "Facebook and Zynga might want to read this" »
The Consumer Council of Norway (Forbrukerrådet) has officially complained to the Norwegian Data Inspectorate (Datatilsynet) and argues that Facebook has been reselling personal information through third party companies such as Zynga. The council believes the Facebook application platform intentionally leaks protected personal information to increase the perceived commercial value of the Facebook platform.
Facebook and Zynga reported to the Data Inspectorate
In Norway all forms of personal databases are regulated by law and reselling this information is in most cases illegal without consent. The council believes Facebook is directly targeting the Norwegian marked and can therefore not hide behind local Californian law. The council argues that Facebook is in breach of the Norwegian Data Protection Act.
Another related agency, The Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman, is most famous for going after Apple and the iTunes Music Store because of their contract terms. Apple later removed all DRM from music and changed their licensing terms.
The Consumer Council of Norway is basically seeking advice from the Data Inspectorate on how to proceed with this issue. The Ombudsman is not yet involved. 1,5 million Norwegians have a Facebook account.